Khomotso Moabelo

Miss
Khomotso
Moabelo

Junior information officer/PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
Biography
I hold an MSc degree in Veterinary Science (Productional Animal Studies), with BSc Honours degree in Biochemistry and a BSc degree in Molecular and Life Sciences (Biochemistry and Microbiology) from the University of Pretoria and the University of Limpopo, respectively. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD degree focused on evaluating and developing novel diagnostic assays for Foot-and-Mouth Disease. With a practical approach to problem-solving and an open-minded attitude, I excel in working with stakeholders across both private and public institutions. Possessing strong interpersonal skills, I am adept at collaborating effectively to achieve common goals. Motivated by a drive to learn and innovate, I am committed to making meaningful contributions to the field of veterinary science.
Research interests
1. Diagnostic Assays for Veterinary Diseases: Developing and evaluating novel diagnostic tools for infectious diseases in animals, with a particular focus on Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). Improving the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of diagnostic assays for early detection and control of veterinary pathogens. 2. Veterinary Immunology and Pathogenesis: Understanding the immune response of production animals to viral infections. Investigating the pathogenesis of viral diseases in livestock and identifying biomarkers for disease progression and recovery. 3. Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock: Conducting epidemiological studies to understand the spread and control of infectious diseases like FMD in animal populations. Developing strategies for the prevention and management of outbreaks in collaboration with public and private stakeholders.
Projects you're working on
1. Novel diagnostics tools for diagnosis of food-and-mouth disease virus SAT serotypes. 2. Development of multiplex qPCR for detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus.
Discipline
Molecular biology Virology
Host species
Cattle
Pathogen
Viruses›Foot-and-mouth disease virus
Stage of vaccine development
Correlates of protection – immunomonitoring